One of the Bay Area’s most adorable traditions is back this weekend: the World Dog Surfing Championship. The event is just as it sounds: a group of adorable dogs takes to the ocean on surfboards, as crowds eagerly cheer them on. Here’s what to know.
World Dog Surfing Championship 2026
Courtesy of Taste TV
The annual event is this Saturday, August 1, at Pacifica Beach. The fun starts at 9:20 am, with check-in for participating pups opening at 9 am. Attendees can expect to see various dogs surfing during the morning, with multiple categories including small dogs, tandem dogs, and more. The surfing will end around 1:30 pm, with awards ending at 2 pm. Check out the competition schedule below:
Small Surf Dogs Award
Lagunitas Medium Surf Dogs Award
The San Francisco Peninsula Large / Extra Large Dogs Award
The SUP Dogs Award
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Tandem Dogs Award
Chef’s Pure Pet Tandem Human/Dog Award
Lagunitas Top Dogs Award
California Canine Dog Beach Fashion Competition Award
While surfing is the main attraction, it’s not the only thing to look forward to. Another highlight of the event is the annual costume contest taking place from noon to 1 pm. You can also expect a fetch-in-water competition for dogs less inclined to surf and a pet wellness fair. Finally, be sure to stop by the mobile adoption area that will run from 9 am to 2 pm.
Photo by Guy Kawasaki on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
If dog surfing and costume contests aren’t tempting enough, the beach hosting the surfing championships is also located next to the iconic Taco Bell Cantina, which features a bar and scenic outdoor deck.
The event is free to attend and promises to be a fun way to spend your Saturday. In past years, the dog surfing championship has drawn large crowds, so expect some difficulty finding parking and traffic in the area as you go to and from the beach. If possible, we recommend utilizing public transportation or carpooling to the beach.